Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez was the Gunners’ outstanding performer despite Arsene Wenger’s men coming unstuck as they were downed 3-2 by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The Chilean international has been in wonderful form for the Gunners this season, scoring nine Premier League goals in 13 starts since trading the Nou Camp for North London.

In an interview before the game, he acknowledged his side’s style of play as a defining factor in his improvement on his Barcelona performances, although his form was set for a real test on Saturday.

Premier League observers have often referred to the Britannia stadium as the benchmark for a player’s ability to perform on all occasions, using the phrase; ‘But how would he do on a cold, wet night in Stoke?’

Well, it might not have been a night match nor were the temperature and weather conditions as bad as they could have been, but some could argue that Sanchez ultimately passed the test with a fine display.

Shots

Key Passes

Dribbles Won

Touches

Accurate Passes

Ball Recoveries

Mins Played

Alexis Sánchez

2

4

3

74

25

5

90

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, the former Udinese man was the driving force behind his side’s second-half fight-back following their disappointing first-half outing.

Sanchez took two shots on goal, one of which struck the woodwork, and created four opportunities for his teammates including an assist for Aaron Ramsey.

He was the player who the visitors often looked to in search of an unlikely second-half equaliser, and Sanchez’s will to win the ball back and help out defensively can be demonstrated by his five ball recoveries.

In what will ultimately feel like a big disappointment for Wenger, the Frenchman can at least take comfort in the fact that his star man appears to be able to perform in the face of any type of opposition.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.